NG Design on Poetic Brutalism Furniture and Storytelling in Design
people • DESIGNERS
Krzysztof Karp is a Polish designer and co-founder of NG Design, where he leads the studio’s creative direction defined by poetic brutalism furniture, sculptural form, and ongoing material experimentation. Based in Katowice, Karp is known for blurring the lines between furniture and art, creating functional art that is as visually impactful as it is practical.
With a background in industrial design and a deep commitment to handmade production and local artisan collaboration, he brings a unique vision to NG Design’s collections. In this interview, Krzysztof shares how storytelling in design shapes the studio’s philosophy, the emotional power of objects, and why success means crafting pieces that quietly resonate over time.
Words: designeers
june 2025
WEBSITE: ngdesign.pl
INSTAGRAM: @ngdesign.official
DESIGNEERS
Let’s begin with NG Design. What drew you to furniture as your medium, and what did you feel was missing from the market that you wanted to create?
Krzysztof Karp
Furniture attracted us because it combines function, form, and emotion tangibly. We felt the market lacked pieces with soul, poetic brutalism furniture that’s both practical and deeply personal. With NG Design, we set out to create objects that are not only useful but also tell a story and evoke a sense of connection, reflecting our belief in storytelling in design.
DESIGNEERS
You describe your pieces as “deviating from traditional interior arrangements.” What does that deviation look like, and where does it start?
Krzysztof Karp
For us, deviation means challenging conventional forms and materials. It starts at the design stage, questioning symmetry, rethinking proportions, or combining unexpected textures. Rather than blending in, our pieces are meant to stand out, spark curiosity and shift the atmosphere of a space.
DESIGNEERS
Every piece you make is handcrafted in Poland. How important is place to your process, and how does your cultural context shape your aesthetic?
Krzysztof Karp
Place is essential to our process; crafting in Poland means working closely with local artisans and suppliers. This local artisan collaboration brings depth and authenticity to each piece, rooted in shared knowledge and continuous material experimentation.
DESIGNEERS
You’ve said you’re not driven by awards or competitions. So what does success in design look like for you?
Krzysztof Karp
Success in design for us isn’t about recognition itself, it’s about creating functional art that resonates with people and stands the test of time. If our work sparks emotion, becomes a lasting part of someone’s space, and feels meaningful in everyday life, then we consider that true success, this is at the core of our approach to storytelling in design.
DESIGNEERS
Who is the NG client? What kind of person do you imagine living with your pieces?
Krzysztof Karp
We always imagine our client as someone similar to ourselves, someone who values craftsmanship, authenticity, and thoughtful design. Our pieces are for people who appreciate the balance between form and function, who seek individuality in their surroundings, and who are drawn to pieces with a deeper story behind them.
“Our pieces are for people who appreciate the balance between form and function, who seek individuality in their surroundings, and who are drawn to pieces with a deeper story behind them.”
Krzysztof Karp
DESIGNEERS
Your go-to fabric supplier to collaborate with, and why?
Krzysztof Karp
Our go-to fabric supplier is Dedar. We value their commitment to quality, innovation, and their wide range of luxurious yet durable materials. Their fabrics always offer the perfect balance between elegance and functionality, which aligns perfectly with our design philosophy.
DESIGNEERS
One piece in the collection that you feel best defines what NG Design stands for?
Krzysztof Karp
The side table Object107 (displayed above, centre image) is the piece that best defines what NG Design stands for. It embodies our philosophy, elegant and crafted with care. With its unique design and thoughtful use of material, it perfectly captures the balance between artistry and craftsmanship that we aim for in all our work.
DESIGNEERS
Who is your ultimate design hero, someone whose philosophy or work resonates deeply with you?
Krzysztof Karp
Our ultimate design hero is Oscar Niemeyer. His ability to blend bold, sculptural forms with a deep understanding of space and light resonates deeply with us. Niemeyer’s work serves as a major source of inspiration for us, especially when it comes to furniture design. His innovative approach motivates us to create sculptural furniture that challenges conventional norms and captures the spirit of poetic brutalism furniture.
DESIGNEERS
Your favourite design hotel in the world to unwind, recharge, or simply get inspired?
Krzysztof Karp
Our favourite design hotel to unwind, recharge, and get inspired is the Warszauer in Kraków. The hotel's bold design and atmosphere create a unique space that sparks creativity. It’s the perfect place to reflect, immerse ourselves in art, and draw inspiration from the thoughtful integration of design and function.
